The result is a floor that feels just like solid hardwood but performs better in Canadian conditions. Because it moves less, engineered hardwood can be used in areas in which solid wood is a risk, including basements and on concrete.
Everything starts at the entrance. Place a heavy-duty mat outside and a washable absorbent rug indoors each door. Two mats catches much of the dirt and salt before it gets to the rest of the house. Add a boot tray to make sure dripping shoes don’t sit on your flooring.
A cohesive look is also important. Too many flooring types throughout the house often makes a space feel smaller. Running the same floor through the main living areas gives a more spacious look that looks great in listing photos.
LVP is often the number one pick for busy homes. It is waterproof, so spilled drinks become easy to clean up. A thick wear layer helps reduce scratches from claws, while its softer feel feels quieter for kids playing on the floor.
Humidity also matters and is critical. In winter, the air in your home gets too dry, which causes hardwood to shrink and gaps to form. Using a humidifier keeping indoor humidity in a moderate range benefits your floors and your furniture.
Houses across Canada go through big seasonal swings every year. In the cold months, furnaces dehydrate indoor air; in the warm months, moisture levels go up again. For wood floors, these changes often leads to gapping, crowning and squeaks.
Over the past few years, luxury vinyl plank has turned into one of the most popular types of flooring across the country. It is easy to see why: it looks great, it handles water, and it works with almost any budget.
Engineered hardwood can also work for those who want a genuine wood surface. Due to its layered construction, engineered wood tolerates moisture swings better than solid hardwood, which is a poor choice on concrete. Always use an appropriate underlay for the best results.
First of all, check for moisture in your basement. A basic moisture test such as taping a plastic sheet onto the slab for 24 to 48 hours will indicate if moisture is rising. Solve water problems before installing any floor.
High-quality laminate is another good contender. Its protective top layer is tough against claw marks, often even more than other floors. Look for products with an AC4 or AC5 rating and water-resistant edges for families with pets.
If you live with little ones and four-legged friends, you have probably learned that floors suffer. Claws, toy cars and blocks, spills and wet paws can scratch a delicate surface in no time. Luckily: today’s flooring options are built to stand up to real life.
Renovating a basement is a great way to gain extra square footage and value to your home. Yet lower levels bring unique challenges: cold concrete, moisture plus lower temperatures. Choosing the wrong flooring may result in mold, warping and expensive replacements.
If you are shopping for vinyl plank flooring for your home, take the time to compare thicknesses and check colours at home. You will find a wide range on this Canadian flooring retailer and find the right floor for your space.
Luxury vinyl plank is usually the go-to floor below grade. Several vinyl products are completely water-resistant, meaning they will not be damaged if humidity happens. Rigid core vinyl can also hide small irregularities in the slab.
What about hardwood? It is possible, though be selective. Harder woods such as hickory, maple and oak hold up better, and matte finishes or distressed or hand-scraped textures disguise minor marks better than high-gloss finishes.
The cold season in Canada are beautiful, but they are rough on your floors. Snow, calcium chloride, grit and dry indoor air will dull your floors if left unchecked. With the right routine, it is easy to keep your flooring beautiful through the winter.
Durability is another major advantage. The best LVP products include a tough top coating designed to resist scuffs and scratches, recommended stains and spills and UV fading. Busy households love how little care it needs: a quick sweep and a damp mop are all it takes.
The biggest advantage of vinyl plank is its water resistance. Compared with traditional laminate, a quality vinyl plank won’t warp when exposed to spills. That makes it a perfect fit for kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Flooring is one of the first things buyers notice. Old, stained carpet, scratched hardwood or mismatched flooring send a signal that the house needs work. On the other hand, fresh, modern flooring can make a home feel clean and modern, and that may help it sell faster.
That is exactly where engineered hardwood makes a difference. Instead of using a single solid piece of wood, an engineered plank is made of cross-layered plies: a real hardwood top layer on top of a dimensionally stable base. The cross-layered construction reduces expansion and contraction.
Hardwood floors remains a feature buyers love. Engineered wood delivers that same premium look with better stability across the seasons. For a smaller budget, luxury vinyl plank will provide an equally attractive wood look for less.
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